Considerations and proposals presented to his late Highnesse Oliver, Lord Protector of England touching the not warring with Spain, or the more advantagious prosecuting thereof, after it was begun / by F.B. F. B. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A30355 of text R28325 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing B58). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 34 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 10 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A30355 Wing B58 ESTC R28325 10526033 ocm 10526033 45201 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A30355) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 45201) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1394:33) Considerations and proposals presented to his late Highnesse Oliver, Lord Protector of England touching the not warring with Spain, or the more advantagious prosecuting thereof, after it was begun / by F.B. F. B. 15 p. [s.n.], London : 1659. Reproduction of original in the British Library. eng Cromwell, Oliver, 1599-1658. Great Britain -- History -- Commonwealth and Protectorate, 1649-1660. Great Britain -- Relations -- Spain. Great Britain -- Foreign relations -- 1649-1660. A30355 R28325 (Wing B58). civilwar no Considerations and proposals presented to his late Highnesse Oliver Lord Protector of England, touching the not warring with Spain, or the m F. B 1659 5768 6 0 0 0 0 0 10 C The rate of 10 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2006-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-11 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-12 Jason Colman Sampled and proofread 2006-12 Jason Colman Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion CONSIDERATIONS AND PROPOSALS Presented to his Late HIGHNESSE OLIVER LORD PROTECTOR OF England , Touching the not Warring with SPAIN , or the more advantagious prosecuting thereof , after it was begun . By F. B. LONDON , Printed , Anno ▪ Dom. 1659. Some Considerations upon the present Expedition supposed for the West-India's , humbly remitted to his Highnesse the Lord Protector , and delivered to Secretary Thurloe , in September 1654. long before the Fleetes Departure . 1. THe vast and inevitable charges of setting forth the Flects , the continual pay of Seamen and Soldiers , with supplies that must be sent , till the Conclusion of the Voyage , which is like to be dilated . 2. Whether in times of so much unsettlement , this Common-wealth can spare so many Ships and Seamen , which in great part are the security of the Land , to go so farre off from whence they cannot be occasionally had home again upon necessitie , England being surrounded with so many considerable Potentates , and they for the most part in affection adversaries , which upon all opportunities of advantage , will injure us , notwithstanding any capitulations to the contrary , and the States Power being formidable , and at hand , will still awe them to a better Compliance . 3. They go to a place where they must not only fight men upon disadvantages , the scituations helping still the inhabitants in Countreys that have not commodious Ports of disembarking an Army , and difficult wayes to march , but which is worse , with a Climate not at all suiting with our English constitutions , particularly of Soldiers , which may be justly feared will sweep away the greater part of them that go ; more especially , if Provisions come to decay , or lose of their natural vertue , as they are subject to do in such extraordinary heats as they must there meet with , and liquor being the chief , is not to be had at all times in an enemies territories , and ships being thronged with people , diseases will encrease and endanger all , then those seas and aire with the piercing Sun , will destroy our English and Dutch-built ships both in Hull and Tackling , more in a moneths time , then in our own Northern Climates in a year , beside the worm that eats under-water , will render them incapable of future-service . 4. In case of a repulse , ( to which all attempters are subject ) in an enemies dominions , and so distant from relief , which will daunt many a swelling spirit , this Common-wealth will be Involv'd out of honour and interest to a second engagement , that must be more costly , and necessarily burthen the subject , which will be the more resented , when successe thwarts the great expectations first entertained of the design , for undoubtedly the enemies so long time of advertisement , will give them time to provide largely for defence , and retire with their riches to inaccessible places , which must render the businesse more difficult , and peradventure altogether fruitlesse , and of disrepute . 5. Let it be granted , that the place intended be surprized , yet before it can be put in a thriving way , what an endlesse treasure must be disbursed , beside the losse of men and shipping , and 't is questionable whether ever the benefit from thence will pay it again , these designes promising great matters , but in effect come to nothing , we have the example in hand of New-England , Barbadoes , Christophers , &c. the first Planters whereof were all undone , and yet they were void lands , purchast without the price of blood , and little expence of money , and the Proceedings of the Holland West-India Company in Brazil , may be pettinently recited , which have not only been baffled by their enemies , but outed of more wealth then ever they had from thence , the sea reprizals set aside , but here is hope of silver and gold mines ; it may so fall out , that there are such , which yet is doubtful , give it for granted , and let attention be had to the trouble in bringing them to perfection , and the extraordinary expences upon slaves and other people that must work in them , with the materials requisite to such a task , and it will appear that we have easier , and more profitable wayes to draw into England that treasure , and if accounts were deliberately made up , it would be found that the King of Spain himself is not such a great Gainer by the India's , as many in the world have conceived , though he have all in possession . 6. It were to be wished , that the people allotted for this attempt , or others in their room were rather applied to Ireland , and more near Plantations , which would not only bring greater gaines to this Government , then any place they can possesse in the India's , but also be formidable , to assist in any honourable atchievments near at home , that may in time be thought requisite . 7. And if we must have to do at the India's , let a more opportune time be waited for , which may be at any other better then now , for the Spaniard seeing that we proceed not , will grow carelesse , and our ships being already sheathed , and warlike Provisions fitted , may insensibly be put forth to fall upon them , when not so warned , and consequently armed , as at present they are , and Merchants , though not made fully acquainted with the intentions of States , may moderate and draw home their adventures in the Interim , and a yeares possession more or lesse of the places intended , cannot import by too great a quantity what may be lost , in that the Merchants of this Common-wealth have trade in all the dominions of Spain , and great estates there depending , that cannot be so suddenly withdrawn , the entercourse having been of long continuance , that hath contracted many debts , and occasioned the transmission of goods for sales , from one place to another , yea , many to the very India's , though in Spaniards names , all which will undoubtedly be seized on , if this Fleet fall upon any of that Kings territories , and will be of farre more value then is to be feared will be had from the India's in many years : and to him will prove a good Exchange , to have so many ready effects for his present occasions , in stead of an Island that yields him little or nothing of revenue . 8. Falling out with that people , the greater part of our Manufactory here must cease , whereof that Countrey vents more then any other Nation with whom we have Commerce , which will deprive a great number of poor Tradesmen of livelihood , and this Commonwealth of its Custom and Excise of all Commodities exported hence , and brought from other places of those dominions , some whereof do in a yeares time pay the greater parts of their value , if not the whole , to this State , as can easily be made manifest , and with those Manufactories comes into this Nations possession , a great part of the Plate that arrives from the India's , for which this Common-wealth is neither at charge nor hazard : and men are enabledto undergo the burthen of taxes , &c. but if trade faile , their estates must decay , and be inabilitated to contribute towards the maintenance of Fleets and Armies , which are so chargeable . Doubtlesse his Highnesse will have deeply weighed what businesse may be undertaken ▪ especially of such importance , yet forasmuch as this is a matter that falls not into the reach of all men , and that heed must be given to such as pretend to know most in it , 't is to be hoped that those private persons will not eye more any particular end of interest , or revenge of wrongs received , before the good of their Countrey , which his Highness is beseeched to examine , as also that their Drifts be not to scatter the Nations forces , that are now terrible to its enemies , into many places for their destruction , which otherwise cannot be so easily wrought . Some Considerations humbly remitted to his Highnesse the Lord Protector , in order to the better Prosecution of a Warre with Spaine , delivered about Novemb. 1655. IN the Bay of Biscay , among others , are the chief Ports of Sansebastian and Bilhao , being the inlets of Commodities that furnish the Northern parts of Castile , and other Provinces of Spain , especially with Fish , of which that Countrey vents great quantities , and will be supplied by the French and Dutch , with whatsoever they have occasion for , except this State prevent the same , by keeping men of Warre upon that Coast , but foure or five Frigats will hinder all their trade , and deprive the places aforesaid of other conveniences , to the losse of the Kings Customes , and Livelihood of the inhabitants , which will make them clamorous , more particularly when they cannot sell their Countrey goods , as Wools , Iron , &c. nor receive grain from forreign parts , of which many times they stand in great want , and the said Frigats will hinder the attempts of the men of Warre of Sansebastians , that otherwise may be very offensive to our English Merchants ships , and these Frigats may be sheltered in the Coast of France , or in St. Antonio , an open Port of the Spaniards near Bilhao , upon occasions of bad weather , and may happily meet the Hollanders , that are now lading the Spanish Wools , there appertaining to the Asentistas , which are to go for Flanders to help pay the souldiery . In the Provinces of Galicia and Asturias , seated between Biscaya and Portugal , the said King of Spain hath a vast revenue out of the salt that is brought into those parts from South Spain , by Hollanders and others , of which they may be totally deprived , by keeping five or six Frigats about those parts , which is a good Coast , and they may harbour themselves in stormy weather , in the Islands of Bayona and Donis , and there refresh themselves with water at pleasure against all the power that Countrey can make , and the taking of the said salt will not be only the Kings losse , but the whole Countrey must be driven to great extremities , and not be able to follow their Fishing trade , which is the greatest maintenance the common people have , and said Frigats will lie opportunely to secure our Traders against the Sally-men of Warre that usually frequent those Coasts , and Dunquerquers that are already there , and will every day increase to prey upon our Merchants ships , that go for Portugal and other places . The Canary-Islands have great dependencies one upon the other , which are in all seven , for Corne , Cattel , &c. especially , great part of their subsistence consists in a Fishing trade , which they drive in small vessels for the Coast of Barbary , but two or three nimble small Frigats will take most of their Boats in a short time , and reduce them to much necessity , and the trade of this Nation failing , which is the chief support they have , those parts will in a manner be ruined , and the said Frigats may refresh themselves at all times in the Madera Island , belonging to the King of Portugal , about seventy Leagues distant from the Canaries . Malaga-Alicants , and Valentia within the Streights , are places abounding with Wine , Oile , and Fruit , the greater part whereof was brought for England , and that trade failing , the generality of people will be brought to hardship , the rather if we have men of Warre upon their Ports , to examine all strangers , and deprive them from carrying Provisions , without which they cannot well subsist , and Commodities lying in the inhabitants hands : as they must if strangers bring them not hither , will be for the most part lost . But the grand businesse of all will be to have a Fleet near the Bay of Cales , to hinder that place Sevilla and Saintlucar from Commerce , and to beat the Armada they have now out , which being done , in long time will not that King be able to make a power sufficient to encounter our Fleet ; nor bring home his treasure from the Indiaes , and it were to be wished that said Fleets might consist of a competent number of the old Navie ships , the better to handle their Galions which are strongly built , and have great Ordnance , and into this Fleet may , upon any urgent Occasion , be drawn the other Frigats from the Coast of Galicia and Biscaya , being so near at hand , the putting off which in the aforesaid stations , is reasonably to be judged , will be of more prejudice to Spain in a short time , then the loss of the Plate Fleet , and the charge of this State will be small in the doing therof , and by this meanes likewise will the King of Spain be deprived of having his Galions , that are now providing in Biscaya , Naples , and other places , to joyne with his great Fleet , or Ammunition and other necessaries for the same , that in great part is furnish't from Sansebastians and Pasage . A strict charge were needful to be given all Sea Commanders , for the examining of Ships bound into the Spanish Dominions , concerning Provisions , Cordage , Sail-Clothes , Masts , Tarre , Armes , &c. in that therein will depend their being able to set forth a Fleet of Ships or not . And forasmuch as many English and Scotch Seamen , do in too great numbers , frequent Biscaya , Dunkirk , and other Pirating places , to the encouragement of Rovers , it were a matter worth consideration , whether it may not be convenient to set out a Proclamation , inviting home all such as appertain to this Common-wealth , and if after a set time they continue in the service of any Prince or State in enmity with this Nation , to be proceeded against according to their contempt , if taken : the sooner a good Squadron of Ships were sent to the Coast of Spain , is conceived would be the bettet , considering how many Merchants vessels we have abroad , that are subject to be surprized and taken by the Spaniard , as many have lately been , which will be a great encouragement and strength to them , and losse to this Nation . These and such like courses being taken , will deprive the King of Spain of the greater part of his Incomes , and render his people incapable to pay taxes , which are heavy upon them , and consequently his Armies and Garrisons will be neglected in pay and Provisions , some of his remotest territories will revolt or be taken from him , and a general Calamity overwhelm the whole , and then this Nation may take advantages to fall upon the skirts of of some of his Dominions , or compel him to a Peace with this State , that may be made to the glory of God , and welfare of the Common-wealth . Given to a Statesman the 9th . of May 1657. to be delivered the Protector , a Paper of the following Contents . The condition of the Island of Thenerife , in regard the inhabitants are numerous , is scantie in point of Provisions , being in part ordinarily supplied from the rest of the Islands of the Canaries and other places , with Corn , Fish , and other necessaries , without which they cannot well live . Now the Spanish Silver Fleets being there , will have made an addition of near 4000 men , which with the inhabitants will in short time very much streighten that Island , especially if they be interrupted in drawing relief from the other Islands . The said West-India Fleet cannot be there fitted to go upon a new Voyage , unlesse supply of Ammunition , Provisions , &c. be sent from Holland , Spain , or some other places . In no Port of the Canary-Islands , can those ships lie safe from burning , sinking , or taking , a greater power going to fall upon them . The treasure being in that Island , if this State be not wanting to it self , it may be reasonably judged , it s farre more liable to fall into this Nations hands then formerly , when coming from the Indias , by keeping fourteen or sixteen men of Warre small and great , in and about the said Island of Thenerife , to hinder all Commerce of Forreigners , or sustenance from the neighbour-Islands , which is a thing feasible , and in few moneths its probable , such order being taken , they may be brought to such hardship , as to surrender or give some other advantage to this Nation , and taking away all Communication of the Islands one to another , the conveniences of the Inhabitants will cease , and if not relieved by a strong power from Spain , which is not likely to be afforded while our Fleet is upon that Coast , they will be in a manner undone , on the contrary , if the said Islands be not straitened by our ships will follow . The accesse of Biscayners , Dunquerquers , and other vessels , to supply and strengthen the said Spanish Fleet , and put them into a capacity to take the advantage of an opportunity to get for some part of Spain , or encourage their Fleet at Cales to come forth , and make up so formidable a power as to conduct them home , or fight our Fleet , rendring void the expectations had as to this matter . Likewise 't is to be feared , that the Hollanders , of which many are going for Thenerife , will be made use of to furnish the Islands , and fetch from thence the silver , which nothing can obstruct , but the lying of our Fleet before ● , besieging the same , which will be the only way to obtain our ends , and frustrate the enemy of that treasure , whereof he hath such pressing occasions . Another Paper was given for the Protector , immediately upon advice that General Blake had burnt the Spanish Fleet , in the Port of Sancta Cruz , at Thenerife . viz. The Island of Thenerife , in regard of the large trade it hath of late yeares enjoy'd , is numerous in people , and of it self for so many is bare of Provisions , but their largest supplies have been of Corne and Cattel , from Lancarots , Fuerte Ventura , the grand Canaries Hiero and Gomera , and with Fish from the Coast of Barbary , by their own Frigats and Ships from England and Holland . The late addition of men in the West-India Fleet , will have occasioned a greater scarcity , which will very much distract the greater part of the inhabitants that are labouring men , especially if the trade of Wine should be shortened , or altogether cut off , which is their chief dependance . The successe which General Blake had in Sancta Cruz , contrary to the ignorant expectations of the Islanders , who having never seen enemy , thought themselves strong enough to withstand any power whatsoever , will much discompose them , and the rather when they see their King unable to supply them with necessaries , it being very probable , that in the last fight they spent the greater part of the small store they had of powder and ammunition , of which at best they were never well provided . The riches which the West-India Fleet brought to the Island , and what was there before , will amount unto so considerable a quantity , that it were worth the employment of a great strength to endeavour obtaining the same , but a smaller force well ordered will reduce the place to such streights , as that in short time it may be taken by force , or necessitated to a Composition , and the rather when animosities arise among the people , as questionlesse there will , when the major part of the ordinary sort shall suffer in harder measure then the rest , and the truth is , at best those Ilanders being a mixt generation , will not be very zealous for their King , which looks upon them to no other purpose , then to oppresse them by taxes and levies of souldiers , and the losse of their men by reason of the Spanish Fleets coming thither , will heighten their discontent . Now the ready way , as is humbly conceived , to obtain our ends , if for the present a full attempt may not be made upon the Iland , is to keep about fourteen Sail of men of Warre from 40 to 10 guns , reparted in several stations , where they may most of the yeare ride at Auchor before the enemies Ports , and deprive them of all kinde of sustenance from abroad , yea , of their very fishing in small boats in their Creeks , which is a relief unto them . And these ships will not only curb Thenerife , but incommode the grand Canaries , Palma and the other Ilands , which as it depends on them for provisions , so do they upon this , for their trade , and supplies of Goods with necessaries for their defence , the General of all the Ilands living in Thenerife , the reduction whereof will prove the subjecting of all the rest of the Ilands affairs , being duely managed . Lancarte and Fuerte Ventura , are Islands thinly inhabited , and may with small strength be brought to subjection , from whence our Fleets may be supplied with bread and cattel , and a sufficient number of good horses to joyne with our Army to attempt Thenerife , in case it be resolved to assault the same . Moreover , our ships lying there , will be a meanes to interrupt any vessels of the Spaniards coming from the West-Indiaes , whereof many are expected , and deprive them from carrying Wines thither , of which they stand in great want , especially now , that no Galions or New Spaines Fleets can go out of Cales , as in former years , and the Island will be so alarmed , that the people will not be able to hold out in hard duty , which they must be put upon , being altogether unaccustomed thereunto , beside , they must wholly neglect their labour , and consequently the Vintage of Wines , which is near at hand , will be much empaired ; and ships being hindred from fetching away any Wines from Thenerife , for Holland and England , such a general calamity will possesse most of the Natives , that our designes will still finde the better progresse , and what honour and advantage it will be to this Nation to have Thenerife , and any other of the Islands , is left to consideration . Severall other Papers have bin given in with pertinent and seasonable hints , as to the securing our Comerce , and offending the Spaniard : who every way as is shewne hath done us so much mischeif , the contents whereof beeing fitter for the States consideration then to bee communicated , I forbare to insert , but nothing was put in execution how usefull soever . And lastly , though publickly enough knowne , how the Plate Fleete was to returne from the Indias , this Spring it was particularly in time motioned , that a power might be ordered against them , which would have easily bin made up , by sending a Squadron to joyne with Capt : Stoakes , that hath done little good where he lyes , had this bin effected , and our Ships taken and destroyed that Fleete , as in probability they might , with small charge to the Nation , what advantage it would afforded us , and losse with disappointment to the Spaniard may be judged , but they are safely got home without disturbance , which occasions not only the Spaniards , but most other Nations to deride us for keeping such Fleetes , as since the Warre wee have done abroade , to so vast an expence , only scouring the Seas when wee had not visible enemies to Incounter , and to withdraw them as we have done at the very time , when wee should watchfully attend such of the adversaries Fleetes , as assuredly wee had advice were a coming , insomuch that after this contest , we have obtayned little of value from the Spaniard , more then what taken by the Squadron left with Cap : Stayner , and that by meere accident , when the great body of our Fleete was retired to Lisboa for water and provisions , the which kinde of proceedings , makes many good English-men suspect the Warre was undertaken rather to destroy the strength , purse , and trade of the Nation , then to offend the enemie , which with halfe the power sent out , and charges wee have bin at , wisely ordered , might have bin ere this time reduced to a different condition then that hee is in , but in this covetous age , have not our Councils secrets bin opened by the Spanish Golden Key , at leastwise contrary to the practice of the wisest Nations . Among us , hath not the management of the most weighty transactions of State , and Navies bin committed to persons unexperienc't , as if some of the present generation , beyond all former , were borne capable of such high emploiments , without being educated and gradually instructed thereunto , let the causes be what they were , the instruments are known , and this Nation is made too sensible of the Spanish Warre , and other transactions , by its continuall osses and sufferings , God grant those now in Authority , Abilities , Intentions , and Indeavours , more prudentially to carry on affairs for future , so as the general interest of the people of this Nation may precede all private respect● what●●ver , and be restored to their rights , Religious and Civil , that have bin so long clouded . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A30355e-110 The Commissioners of the Admiraltie , Navie , and Purse of this Nation know best with certainly what this Expedition and incident Charge hath cost , but of other judicious men its generally judged to be about two Millions of li . sterling . What an opportunitie did this Nation lose , in not humbling the Hollander , so as that he might never have thwarted our interest again , as ever since he bath done , and now Grives for the Mastery in Power and Commerce . And as we then stood we might have had our own termes with France , Spain , and all others , and how different our condition now is may be discerned . How was our Army beaten by a few despicable Mongrel-Spaniards , Shepherds and Blacks , that way-laid them in places of advantage , through which they were to march . Most of the Soldiery , and many Seamen perisht for want of Provisions , or eating such as was spoil't , and not agreeing with the Climate . Some of the Ships were lost , and the rest came home in a decayed , tottering condition , whose repairs was sufficiently chargeable . Beside , our Army being so dishonourably repulft ▪ and dispirited at Sancto Domingo , what supplies of men and other necessaries have , to little purpose , been since sent to Jamaica , is rather felt then duely considered , or rightly known . The successe we had in the India's fully answers this particular . By our traffick , Manufactories , and employment of our shipping , were we furnish't with the India-silver . The Merchants of this Nation lost in the yeare 1655. by the Spanish Imbargo : which was made by reason of this Fleets Proceeding to the India's , above 500000 livre. sterling , to the ruining of many able men and their families . Much of our Manufactory hath ceased for want of vent to our Commodities in Spain , and the scarcity of coine in the Nation , in part bespeaks this truth . Was not the Jesuites hand in this designe , aiming at the ruine of our Fleets and men , with the disrepute of the Nation , and indeed it s to be admired that such a Conduct should be committed to a person that had never been out of England , and scarce heard of , much lesse experimented , what People and Countrey he was to deal with in America . Notes for div A30355e-690 They have enjoyed as free a Trade , as when we had peace with Spain , putting their Commodities at what rates they pleased , and prohibited the bringing in of ours . What damages the Pirates of Sansebastians and Pasage , have since done this Nation , all Traders too well know , which might have been prevented of such a Squadron , if our Frigats had been allotted : and the subjects of Spain would have been made sensible of a Warre as well as the English . No ships being ordered from hence , the men of Warre sailing out of Galicia , have surprized many of our vessels , trading for Portugal , Barbary , the Canary-Islands , &c. There was never a Frigat sent for the Canaries since the Warres , except General Blakes Fleet , rather the Spanish Pirates have there surprized our Merchant men : and Natives sold the Wines of the Countrey at double the value of what it was formerly worth in time of Peace . For want of such ships in the Streights mouth , have we lost many a rich vessel , trading in the Levant , &c. and the enemie there was never interrupted by any that went for the purpose . This Nation hath lost by the Pirates of Sansebastians , Pasage , Galicia , Majork , &c. near 1000. Saile of Ships , which beside disappointment , and weakening the Commonwealth , are reputed to be worth above two Millions of pounds sterling , occasioned meerly for want of having men of Warre in the parts desired ; the charge of which would have been borne by the Custom and Excise due to the State of our lost Goods . All Hollanders , French , and others , have been tolerated , though our Fleets lay there , to carry in Provisions and Ammunition without disturbance . Such have very much strengthned the Adversaries , in furnishing their ships , and putting them upon such matters , as of themselves they could never have accomplisht , to our great prejudice . We had above twenty Sail of good men of Warre ready at Portsmouth , in Decemb. 1655. and had they been sent away for Cales , would have taken and spoilt their Plate-Fleet , that arriv'd there about March following . On the contrary , instead of oppressing the Spaniard , the English have in so high a manner suffered by our ill managing the War , that most of the Stock and Trade of the Nation is lost . They could not have subsisted six moneths without supplies from abroad . They were all destroyed by General Blake in Sancta Cruz road . General Blake then lay before Cales . Holland Merchant-men , by degrees brought all the silver , and other India-Commodities from the Ilands , of which they might have bin hindred by five or six men of War , and justly made prize of , as carrying none but Spaniards Goods . They were possest with such fear after the fight in Sancta Cruz , that the Iland and Treasure might have been surprized by a small Army of well disciplin'd Soldiers and Seamen . The Fleets was worth near foure millions of pounds sterling , and the Iland for its bignesse one of the best in the world . Never a ship went , nor any other diligence used , as to this thing . Two dayes after General Blake burnt the Calions in Sancta Cruz , came thither from the Indies a Spanish Ship , worth above 300000 li. which might have bin taken , had any of our Frigats layn thereabout , and so might many others that arriv'd .